Chapter 25

***Serafina's POV***

I could feel my mother's eyes looking at me so I turned my head in her direction and smiled trying to conceal the pain that had been shattering me in the cruelest way possible.

Mom stared at me intently and pulled me into a tight hug. She was embracing me tightly as if she was protecting me from the cruel world that I was in.

"You don't have to pretend in front of me Serafina. I know you too well your smile can't fool me,"

The tears that I had been suppressing started streaming down my face like waterfalls. I buried my face on my mother's chest and cried like a little kid. Her hands were gently caressing my back soothing me but I kept on crying.

My sobs filled my room but I was hoping that no one was around listening to how I weep.

After a few minutes, my tears finally ran dry. I broke off the hug and looked at my mother directly in the eyes. Her gentle hands held my face and her thumb started wiping the tears that fell on my cheeks.

"Do you feel better now?" she softly asked her voice sounding like a gentle lullaby.

I smiled at her and nodded. "Yes, Mom. Thank you for being here,"

As she stared at me I could see worry in her eyes. She was in pain too. "We will leave later Serafina. Our pack needed me and your father but if you want to come with us I can convince your father-"

I held her hand and shook my head cutting her off. "Don't worry about me, Mom. I will be fine. I will cry but I won't quit. I am the Queen of this Kingdom and I won't let anyone take away my throne. I know they want to see me crumble but I won't give them that kind of satisfaction. I spent my whole life preparing to be the Queen and now that I already got that title I won't let anyone steal it from me,"

A proud smile grace on my mother's lips while looking at me. "You are our daughter Serafina. Just be brave and remember that you are the Queen and they can't take you down okay?"

"I will make you and father proud Mom,"

She pulled me into a tight hug once again and after having a soft moment with my mother I helped her in packing all her things.

"I don't want to leave you Serafina but your father will be mad at me. He already granted my request to stay by your side until you wake up and even though I want to take care of you I can't stay for too long. Your father might disown me if I do that,"

I smiled at my mother understanding her situation. I know she will always follow her father's words and I understand her. She vowed to serve my father because that is what a wife should do for her husband.

"I will write you a letter, Serafina. Just tell me if you need me okay? I will do everything to be with you,"

I gave my mother a quick hug and stared at her face intently. I will surely miss her. "Don't worry about me, Mom. I will be fine," I keep on assuring her but she still looks worried.

I could see it on her face that she didn't want to leave yet but when we heard a knock on the door we had no choice but to open it. I bet that was Father but upon opening the door it was not my Father alone because standing in front of him is King Calixto.

Mom and I bowed our heads to the King.

"I will accompany my Queen in sending you and Alpha Sebastian off, Lady Elizabeth,"

My mother smiled at King Calixto and politely nodded. She handed her bag to one of the servants and then walked on Father's side while King Calixto offered his arm on mine.

I was confused at first but when I finally realized what he wanted I held his arms and let him guide me as we headed towards the palace gate.

My parents are following us and after a few minutes of walking, we finally stop at the carriage my parents will use. Mom and Dad bowed their heads at King Calixto before entering the carriage.

"I will write you letters Serafina," my mother uttered before the carriage started moving.

I can feel tears forming in the corner of my eyes as I watch my parent's carriage disappear from my sight. When they were finally gone I could feel a heaviness in my chest but I concealed it and acted like I was fine.

"We should get inside it is already late Serafina," King Calixto uttered breaking the silence between us.

I just nodded and did not say anything. I was still holding his arms as we headed back to the palace and while walking in the hallway I could feel the servant's eyes again watching my every movement intently. They were silent but their judging look was too loud.

"Are you okay Serafina?" King Calixto asked so I smiled at him and nodded again.

The moment we reached my room I removed my hand from his arm. I was about to step inside when the question that had bothered me crossed my mind again.

"Can I ask you a question King Calixto?" he focused all his attention on me and anticipated my question.

"What is it, Serafina?"

I took a deep breath gathering all my courage. I looked at him directly in the eyes. "Who is Cressida?" I asked and the way his eyes widened out of shock told me that Cressida was someone I needed to be scared off.

"She is our servant, Serafina," he nervously responded but why do I feel like he is hiding something from me?

"She's just a servant?" I asked still filled with doubt.

King Calixto took a deep breath and reached for my hand gently holding it. "Don't think of anything else just focus on regaining your strength okay?"

"Where is she King Calixto? I still haven't seen her. Why isn't she around?"

I can't seem to let go of that woman. I feel like she is not just a mere servant but a threat.

"She's gone Serafina. She just disappeared,"